Cancer Researcher Uses Brain Imaging and Exercise to Fight Neuropathy
Assistant Professor Ian Kleckner, Ph.D., M.P.H., is exploring the mind-body connections to improve cancer treatment. He employs brain imaging to investigate neuropathy, a common side effect, and plans to expand into mindfulness and neurofeedback.
Kleckner, who earned his doctorate in biophysics at Ohio State and did post-doc training, is fascinated by the power of exercise. He aims to provide personalized exercise prescriptions via an app, tailored to each patient's fitness level and drug treatment regimen. His ultimate goal is to help cancer patients manage neuropathy, a condition that can arise during treatment.
Currently, Kleckner focuses on clinical studies to quell neuropathy, a common side effect of taxane-based chemotherapy. He uses brain imaging to understand how neuropathy occurs and tests new exercise interventions to mitigate its impact. Kleckner's interest in the mind-body connections stems from his own experiences. As a child, he found exercise helped manage his anxiety, a trait he developed from overthinking. Now, as a competitive bodybuilder and CrossFit athlete, he continues to explore the mind-body connections in his research.
Ian Kleckner, Ph.D., M.P.H., is dedicated to improving cancer treatment through the mind-body connections. His innovative use of brain imaging and plans for personalized exercise prescriptions via an app show promise in managing neuropathy, a common side effect of cancer treatment. His research, driven by his personal experiences and fascination with the mind-body connections, could significantly enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.
